Latch apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wire crate latch apparatus having, in a first embodiment, a pivoting member that is continually drawn to a closed position by gravity and that is deflected into a catch when the door having the pivoting member is swung closed. The latch apparatus further includes upper and lower stops to contain a distal end of the pivoting member and to hold the distal end in the position to hit an oblique portion of the catch when the door is closed. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch apparatus is deflected by a catch and is relatively inaccessible from inside of the wire crate by back plates on the latch and catch.

This application is a continuation, and claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 120, of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.14/588,827 filed Jan. 2, 2015, and further claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. 119(e) of the following U.S. provisional application numbers: 1)61/923,668 filed Jan. 4, 2014, and 2) 62/041,142 filed Aug. 24, 2014,all of which nonprovisional and provisional applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties into this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a latch apparatus, moreparticularly to a latch apparatus for latching first and second piecestogether where the first and second pieces swing relative to each other,and specifically for latching a swingable door of a wire crate to theremainder of the wire crate where the latch pivots or slides and isdeflected into a catch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pet or other animal may be placed in a wire crate at night or duringtransport by automobile or plane. The wire crate may have multiplesides, such as six sides. One or more of these sides may be cage-likeand have a network of wires or rod-like elongate members. The door mayhave a network of wires or rod-like elongate members. The side of thewire crate having the door may have a network of wires or rod-likeelongate members.

Some animals are adept at figuring out latches. For example, a latchthat moves to an open position and remains at the open position isparticularly easy for certain animals to decipher. A cage having such alatch offers little resistance to escape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A feature of the present invention is a latch apparatus for latchingfirst and second pieces together.

Another feature of the present invention is a latch apparatus forlatching first and second pieces together where the first and secondpieces swing relative to each other.

Another feature of the present invention is a latch apparatus for a wirecrate.

Another feature of the present invention is a latch apparatus forlatching a swingable door of a wire crate to the remainder of the wirecrate.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a pivoting member where the pivoting memberincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, where the pivoting member is onthe first piece, where the distal end of the pivoting member pivots upand down in a first plane, and where the pivoting member includes apivot axis about which the pivoting member pivots.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a catch having an oblique portion, where thecatch is on the second piece, where the oblique portion includes anupper end, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending betweenthe upper and lower ends for deflecting the pivoting member into thecatch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the upper end of the catch being spaced fromthe second piece by a first distance and defining a catch space, and ofthe lower end of the catch being spaced from the second piece by asecond distance, where the second distance is greater than the firstdistance, and where the first plane extends between the upper end andthe second piece when the first and second pieces are closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the first oblique surface extending upwardlyand inwardly such that, when the first piece and pivoting member areswinging inwardly, the first oblique surface directs or deflects thepivoting member to pivot upwardly and over the upper end of the obliqueportion, whereupon the pivoting member falls by gravity into the catchspace.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of an upper stop and a lower stop, where theupper and lower stops extend from the first piece, where the upper andlower stops are spaced apart from each other, where the pivoting memberis disposed between the upper stop and the lower stop, where the upperstop stops pivoting of the pivoting member in one direction, and wherethe lower stop stops pivoting of the pivoting member in the otherdirection.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a part of the intermediate section resting onthe lower stop and the distal end extending beyond said lower stop whensaid pivoting member is at rest.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the catch including a bottom, where the bottomof the catch is at a lower level than the lower stop when the two piecesare closed such that the pivoting member rests on the lower stop andabove the bottom of the catch when the two pieces are closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the upper and lower stops being interconnectedby a traversing member, the pivoting member extending between thetraversing member and the first piece.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the oblique portion including a U-shaped wiresection, where the U-shaped wire section includes the first obliquesurface, a second oblique surface coplanar with the first obliquesurface and spaced apart from the first oblique surface, and a crossmember extending between the first and second oblique surfaces anddefining the upper end of the oblique portion.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the catch including a base, where the base ison the second piece, where the base includes a top end and a bottom end,where the top end of the base is above the upper end of the obliqueportion to counter an outward drawing of the upper end of the obliqueportion by the pivoting member when the first and second pieces arebeing pushed apart from each other without pivoting the pivoting memberout of the catch space.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the catch including a base, where the base isL-shaped and includes an outer end, and where the outer end engages thelower end of the oblique portion.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the catch including a base, where the baseincludes first and second wire sections, where each of the wire sectionsis L-shaped and includes an outer end, and where each of the outer endsof the wire sections engages the lower end of the oblique portion.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the pivoting member including a pivot pinabout which the pivoting member pivots, where the pivot pin is in theintermediate section, and where the pivot pin is on the pivot axis.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the distal end of the pivoting member beingspaced further from the pivot axis than the proximal end of the pivotingmember.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a finger receptor on the pivoting member,where the finger receptor permits a user to effectuate a pivoting of thepivoting member and a raising of the distal end of the pivoting member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the pivoting member including a front and arear, where the finger receptor is on the front of the pivoting member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the finger receptor being adjacent to thepivot axis of the pivoting member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the finger receptor being between the pivotaxis and the proximal end of the pivoting member such that a pushingdown on the finger receptor raises the distal end of the pivotingmember.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the finger receptor being one of a) on theproximal end of the pivoting member and b) adjacent to the proximal endof the pivoting member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the distal end of the pivoting member beingdisposed in the catch space when the first and second pieces are closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the catch including an outer end and an innerend, where the distal end of the pivoting member includes a distal edge,and where the distal edge of the pivoting member is between the outerand inner ends of the catch when the first and second pieces are closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the distal end of the pivoting member swingingfreely downwardly under the influence of gravity.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the pivoting member being mounted on a platewhich in turn is mounted on the first piece.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the pivoting member including a rear face anda top edge, and of a latch oblique face between the rear face and topedge, where the latch oblique face is adjacent to the top edge, andwhere the latch oblique face is disposed to hit the first obliquesurface of the catch when the first piece and pivoting member are swunginwardly.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a sliding member, thesliding member having a proximal end and a distal end, the slidingmember having a bias in a direction from the distal end to the proximalend of the sliding member such that the sliding member is biased toslide in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of thesliding member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a catch for the latch, the catch being engagedto the second piece, the sliding member and catch engagable to eachother and disengagable from each other, the catch comprising an obliquefront portion and a back portion, the oblique front portion and backportion being spaced from each other, the oblique front portion suchthat, when the first piece and sliding member swing toward the secondpiece, the oblique surface directs the sliding member to slide againstsaid bias to slide the sliding member over the proximal end of theoblique front portion, whereupon the sliding member reverses a slidedirection to slide under the bias in the direction from the distal endto the proximal end of the sliding member such that the proximal end ofthe sliding member is pushed under proximal end of the oblique frontportion such that the sliding member engages the catch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a coil spring having firstand second ends and wherein the latch includes a back plate on which thesliding member slides, the back plate having an extension protrudinginto the sliding member, the sliding member having an intermediatesection between the proximal and distal ends of the sliding member, andthe coil spring being in the sliding member and between the extension ofthe back plate and the intermediate section of the sliding member suchthat the first end of the coil spring brings pressure to bear upon saidextension and the second end of the coil spring brings pressure to bearupon said intermediate section such that the proximal end of the slidingmember is normally biased in a direction from the distal end to theproximal end of the sliding member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a back plate on which thesliding member slides, one of the back plate and sliding member having afirst slot, the other of the back plate and sliding member having afirst guide pin extending into the first slot, the first slot defining adirection toward the catch such that the sliding member slides to andaway from the catch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a back plate on which thesliding member slides, one of the back plate and sliding member havingfirst and second slots, the other of the back plate and sliding memberhaving first and second guide pins, the first guide pin extending intothe first slot, the second guide pin extending into the second slot, andat least one of the first and second slots defining a direction towardthe catch such that the sliding member slides to and away from thecatch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the first and second slots being aligned witheach other and each of the first and second slots defining a directiontoward the catch such that the sliding member slides to and away fromthe catch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the first slot including proximal and distalends, the proximal end being closer to said catch than the distal end,the proximal end of the first slot working as a proximal stop for thesliding member when the sliding member is at rest and the coil spring isin a most expanded state, the distal end of the first slot working as adistal stop for the sliding member when the coil spring is in a mostcontracted state.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a front surface having aproximal surface section, a distal surface section, and an intermediatesurface section between the proximal surface section and the distalsurface section, the proximal surface section being closer to the catchthan the distal surface section, the latch further having a back memberspaced from the front surface and opposing the front surface, the backmember defining a first plane, the proximal surface section being afirst distance from the first plane, the intermediate surface sectionbeing a second distance from the first plane, and the distal surfacesection being a third distance from the first plane, the third distancebeing greater than the second distance, and the second distance beinggreater than the first distance.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the latch including a front surface and a backmember, the front surface and the back member opposing each other, thefront surface having a proximal surface section, a distal surfacesection, and an intermediate surface section between the proximalsurface section and the distal surface section, the proximal surfacesection being closer to the catch than the distal surface section, theproximal surface section of the latch engaging the catch, the distalsurface section having a transverse wall extending in a direction awayfrom the back member and away from the intermediate surface section, thetransverse wall facing the catch such that, when a finger slides overthe intermediate surface section toward the distal surface section, thefinger engages the transverse wall to slide the sliding member againstsaid bias.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a proximal end of the sliding member includinga first width less than the width of the catch space and wherein thedistal end of the sliding member includes a transverse wall that istransverse relative to a direction that the sliding member slides, thetransverse wall facing said catch such that a finger can engage thetransverse wall and slide the latch against said bias to remove theproximal end of the sliding member from the catch space.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a catch including a transverse portionextending between the back portion and the oblique front portion, theback portion engaging the distal end of the oblique front portion suchthat the proximal end of the oblique front portion is free such that theproximal end of the latch can slide under the proximal end of theoblique front portion.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a catch including a transverse portionextending between the back portion and the oblique portion, each of theback portion, oblique portion and transverse portion defining a plane,the back portion and transverse portion being at a right angle relativeto each other, the oblique portion being at an acute angle relative tothe transverse portion.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a back plate upon which thesliding member slides, the back plate of said latch defining a firstplane, and the back portion of the catch being in said first plane whenthe first and second pieces are closed and latched to each other by saidlatch and catch.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the latch including a sliding member and ofthe sliding member including a first cavity and a second cavity, andwherein the latch further includes a back plate, the sliding membersliding on the back plate, the first cavity being adjacent to theproximal end of the latch, the first and second cavities being separatedby a transverse member, the back plate closing off the second cavitywhen the sliding member is in a normal biased position, at least a partof the first cavity being open relative to the back plate when thesliding member is in said normal biased position and the first piece hasbeen swung away from the second piece.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a sliding member and of thesliding member including a first cavity and a second cavity, and whereinthe latch further includes a back plate, the sliding member sliding onthe back plate, the first cavity being adjacent to the proximal end ofthe latch, the first and second cavities being separated by a transversemember, the back plate closing off the second cavity when the slidingmember is in a normal biased position, and at least a part of a frontface of said back plate being exposed when the sliding member is in anormal biased position.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of the latch including a sliding member and ofthe sliding member including a first cavity and a second cavity, andwherein the latch further includes a back plate, the sliding membersliding on the back plate, the first cavity being adjacent to theproximal end of the latch, the back plate closing off each of the firstand second cavities when the sliding member has been fully slid againsta bias of the sliding member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a sliding member and of thesliding member including a first cavity and a second cavity, and whereinthe latch further includes a back plate, the sliding member sliding onthe back plate, the first cavity being adjacent to the proximal end ofthe latch, the sliding member being slideable to a position where eachof said first and second cavities is closed off by said back plate.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a wirecrate latch apparatus, of a latch including a sliding member and of thesliding member including a back plate, and wherein the sliding member isslideable on each of the back plate and on the back portion of the catchwhen the first and second pieces have been swung together.

An advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention is that isutilizes gravity. To overcome the natural forces of gravity, the animalopening the latch must raise the latch, and then keep the latch in araised position while swinging open the door. If the animal raises thelatch and then releases the latch, the latch falls to the closedposition and the animal is unable to open the door. The three stepprocess of raising the latch, keeping the latch in a raised position,and then swinging open the door is a process that many animals cannotdecipher.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention is anautomatic close. Upon closing the door having the latch where the dooris swinging shut, a catch automatically directs the also-swinging latchupwards and over a front portion of the catch, whereupon as the doorkeeps swinging closed the latch falls by gravity into the catch.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention isthat some amount of power is required to pivot open the latch. The latchor pivoting member has a pivot axis that is disposed closer to theproximal end than the distal end. The distal end is the end of the latchthat is caught by the catch. The proximal end of the latch includes afinger receptor or finger tab. By pushing down on the finger tab, thedistal end of the latch is raised out of the catch, whereupon the doormay be opened. However, by mounting the finger tab close to the pivotaxis, some amount of power is required to raise the latch. The furtherthe finger tab is mounted from the pivot axis, the more leverage gainedand the less power required. The closer the finger tab is mounted fromthe pivot axis, the less leverage gained and the more power required,and this is preferred. Persons have a relatively great amount of powerwith their fingers. Dogs, cats and birds have relatively less power withtheir appendages poking through a wire crate, about a mounting plate,and downwardly to the finger tab.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention isthat the latch is user friendly. The latch has a protruding finger tabthat attracts attention and signals its use as a finger tool by having aslight U-shape or dip therein. The pivot axis is in plain sight tocommunicate to the user that the latch pivots. This information, takentogether, readily indicates to the user how the latch moves—that thelatch pivots.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention isthat opening the door of the wire crate can be a one-handed operation.The four fingers of a user's left hand can grab the wire of the wiredoor to the left of the proximal end of the latch and then the user canoperate the swingable latch with her left thumb. Or the four fingers ofa user's right hand can engage the wire of the wire door below theproximal end of the latch and then the user can operate the swingablelatch with her right thumb.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention isthat opening of the latch is a three step process: 1) the latch israised, and 2) the latch is maintained at its raised position while 3)the door is swung open.

Another advantage of the first embodiment of the present invention isthat it is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

An advantage of the second embodiment of the present invention is that apair of back plates guard against operation of the latch from inside ofthe wire crate by a pet. For example, the sliding member is shieldedfrom the inside of the wire crate by a back plate. Further, the catchincludes a back plate or back member that shields a proximal end of thesliding member from the inside of the cage. The sliding member in itsnormally closed position confronts the back plate or back member of thecatch. The back plate or back member of the catch minimizes the chancesthat a paw will push against the proximal end of the sliding member andpush the sliding member out of engagement with the catch.

Another advantage of the present invention is an automatic close. Theproximal end of the sliding member will be pushed against the bias ofthe sliding member when the proximal end hits an oblique portion of thecatch. Then, when the proximal end clears the free end of the obliqueportion, the bias of the sliding member will reverse direction ofsliding and push the proximal end of the latch under the catch. Manualoperation of the sliding member in either direction is not required.However, the sliding member may be manually operated if desired.

Another advantage is the first and second pair of double stops. A firstpin slides in first slot and stops sliding when it hits a first end ofthe first slot. A second pin slides in a second slot and stops slidingwhen it hits the first end of the second slot at the same time that thefirst pin hits the first end of the first slot. The hit or stop forceupon each pin is thus reduced in half, thereby minimizing pin breakageand minimizing wear and tear against the first end of the first slot andthe first end of the second slot. Likewise, in the other slidingdirection, the first pin stops sliding when it hits a second end of thefirst slot and the second pin stops sliding when it hits the second endof the second slot. The first and second pins hit the second end of therespective slots at the same time such that, again, a hit or stop forceis reduced in half, thereby minimizing the chances that a pin will breakand minimizing wear and tear upon the second ends of the slots.

Another advantage is that the front surface of the sliding memberimmediately communicates to a user where to place a finger on thesliding member to slide the sliding member to an open position. Theshape of the front surface of the sliding member is simple with only onetransverse wall against which a finger can push.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the sliding membercan be held shut with a relatively great amount of force. One factorcontributing to this advantage is that the sliding member islightweight. The sliding member is made lightweight by forming twocavities therein. With a lighter sliding member, a coil spring with agiven force of expansion can hold the sliding member in a closedposition with a greater force than can the same coil spring acting upona heavier latch.

Another advantage of the second embodiment of the present invention isthat it is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a latch apparatus,namely, a pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus on a wirecrate having four wire sides and a solid top and bottom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawnlatch apparatus of FIG. 1 on a wire crate having six wire sides,including a wire top and bottom.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawnlatch apparatus of FIG. 1 and shows a portion of a wire crate, where thewire crate is different from the wire crate of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4A is a front plan view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawnlatch apparatus of FIG. 1 and shows a portion of a wire crate, where thewire crate is the same as the wire crate of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latchapparatus of FIG. 1 at lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a detail side view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawnlatch apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the latch apparatus from the sameperspective as FIG. 4B.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus of FIG. 1, shows the same portion of the wire crate as shownin FIG. 4A, and shows the wire crate door in a closed position.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 6A, but with the latchapparatus having been pivoted upwardly.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 6B, but with the latchapparatus having fallen under the influence of gravity after the wirecrate door has been opened.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus of FIG. 1, shows the same portion of the wire crate as shownin FIG. 4A, and shows the wire crate door in an open position.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 7A, but with the wire cratedoor being in the process of swinging closed and the oblique portion ofthe catch of the latch apparatus being in the process of deflecting thepivoting member of the latch apparatus upwardly and into the catch.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latchapparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 7B, but with the wire cratedoor having been completely swung closed and with the pivoting member ofthe latch apparatus having fallen under the influence of gravity intothe catch of the latch apparatus after the wire crate door has beenclosed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective, broken apart, rear view of a second embodimentof a latch apparatus, namely, a slideable latch apparatus that may beused on the wire crate of FIG. 1, or on the wire crate of FIG. 2, orwith the wire crate wall section of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective, broken apart, front view of the latch apparatusof FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8showing the sliding member latched to the catch and showing the door ofthe wire crate closed.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing the doorof the wire crate closed.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing the doorof the wire crate open.

FIG. 13 is a detail rear perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG.8 showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing thedoor of the wire crate open.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION

The present pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus isindicated in general by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1 where thelatch apparatus 10 is on a wire crate 12. Latch apparatus 10 is a firstembodiment of the present invention.

Wire crate 12 includes a removable solid top 14, a removable solidbottom 16, and a cage 18. Cage 18 includes four sides having elongatemembers or wires or posts. Cage 18 can be a wire network if desired.Wire crate 12 further includes a door 20 in the front side of the petcrate 12. The door 20 is swingably opened and swingably closed. Aportion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on the door 20 and anotherportion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on a door frame or non-doorsection of the front side of the cage 18.

FIG. 2 shows the latch apparatus 10 on a wire crate 22. Wire crate 22includes six sides, with each of the six sides being formed by a networkof wires. These six sides are a wire top 24, a wire bottom 26, a wirefront side 28, a wire rear side 30, a wire right side 32 and a wire leftside 34. The wire front side 28 includes a wire door 36. The door 36 isswingably opened and swingably closed. A portion of the latch apparatus10 is mounted on the door 36 and another portion of the latch apparatus10 is mounted on a door frame or non-door section of the wire front side28 of the door 36.

Latch apparatus 10 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Latch apparatus 10includes a pivoting member 38, a catch 40, an upper stop 42, and a lowerstop 44. Pivoting member 38 and the upper and lower stops 42, 44 are ona wire crate door 46 of a wire crate 48. Catch 40 is on a door frame 50of the wire crate 48. Door 46 may be referred to as a first relativelyswingable piece and the remaining portion of the wire crate 48 or doorframe 50 may be considered to be a second relatively swingable piece.

Pivoting member or latch 38 includes a proximal end 52, a distal end 54,and an intermediate section 56 between the proximal and distal ends 52,54. Pivoting member 38 defines a first plane and the distal end 54 ofthe pivoting member pivots up and down in this first plane. Pivotingmember includes a pivot pin 58 that defines a pivot axis about which thepivoting member 38 pivots. Pivot pin 58 engages pivoting member 38 andis in turn engaged to a plate 60 that in turn is engaged to a network 62of wires of the door 46. The pivot pin 58 is engaged to the intermediatesection 56 of the pivoting member 38.

The distal end 54 is spaced further from the pivot pin 58 defining thepivot axis than the proximal end 52. The distal end 54 includes anabsolute distal edge 64 and the proximal end 52 includes an absoluteproximal edge 66. The absolute distal edge 64 is spaced further from thepivot pin 58 defining the pivot axis than the absolute proximal edge 66.

Pivot pin 58 is journaled in the pivoting member 38 such that pivotingmember 38 is free swinging and such that the distal end 54 of thepivoting member 38 falls by gravity after being swung to an up or upwardposition. The portion of the pivoting member 38 extending from the pivotpin 58 to the distal end 54 is of greater mass and includes a greaterweight than does the portion of the pivoting member 38 extending fromthe pivot pin 58 to the proximal end 52.

The portion of the pivoting member 38 extending from the pivot pin 58 tothe proximal end 52 includes a finger receptor or tab 68. Finger tab 68may or may not be molded integrally with pivoting member 38. Finger tab68 extends at a right angle from the plane defined by the swinging ofpivoting member 38. Finger tab 68 extends at a right angle from a frontsurface 70. Pivot pin 58 is recessed into the pivoting member 38 andrelative to the front surface 70. Pivot pin 58 is set in an opening 72formed in the pivoting member 38. Finger tab 68 runs from a locationadjacent to the opening 72 to a location adjacent to the absoluteproximal edge 66 of the proximal end 52. Finger tab or receptor 68includes a dip formed therein for reception of a finger such as thefirst finger. This dip communicates to the user that the structure 68 isto be used by a finger. Finger tab 68 may be described as beingU-shaped. This U-shape has the opening of the “U” opening upwardly. The“U” is not an inverted “U.”

The finger tab 68 is mounted adjacent to the pivot axis defined by thepivot pin 58 for a number of reasons. For example, such a locationminimizes the length of the pivoting member 38. Such a locationmaximizes the power necessary to swing the distal end 54 up and out ofthe catch 40 and makes it more difficult for an animal to effectuatepivoting. A location further away from the pivot axis defined by thepivot pin 58 increases the leverage for such an upward swinging andmakes it easier with less power for such an upward swinging, andtherefore makes it easier for an animal such as a pet to swing thedistal end 54 out of the catch 40.

The body of the pivoting member 38 is defined by a pair of upper andlower parallel edges 74, 76, further by a rounded proximal edge 78, andstill further by a rounded distal edge 80. Each of the upper and lowerparallel edges 74, 76 leads into the rounded proximal edge 78. Each ofthe upper and lower parallel edges 74, 76 leads into the rounded distaledge 80. The perimeter of the pivoting body 38 includes a radius. Inother words, the front and rear surfaces of the pivoting body 38 arechamfered to provide an oblique face 81. This oblique face or surface,chamfer, radius, or curvature 81 extends from the front surface to therear surface of the pivoting body 38, and runs about the entireperimeter except where the pivot pin block 82 extends from the rear ofthe pivoting member 38. Pivot pin block 82 may be integral with andmolded with the pivoting member 38. Pivot pin block 82 provides athicker portion for the pivoting member 38, where this thicker portioncan better hold and retain pivot pin 58. Chamfer or oblique surface 81,particularly the oblique face or chamfer 81 extending from the rearsurface of the pivoting member 38 to the lower edge 76 of the pivotingmember 38, aids in a smooth lifting of the distal end 54 of the pivotingmember 38 when the distal end 54 hits the catch 40 when the door 46 isbeing swung closed. Chamfer 81 includes, or runs adjacent to, the upperand lower edges 74, 76 of the pivoting member 38.

Rounded proximal edge 78 includes a peak. Intersecting or at this peakis the absolute proximal edge 66. Rounded distal edge 80 includes apeak. Intersecting or at this peak is the absolute distal edge 64. Thesepeaks define a longitudinal axis of the pivoting member 38. As shown inFIG. 4A, the pivot pin 58 defining the pivot axis of the pivoting member38 is between this longitudinal axis and the upper edge 74 of thepivoting member 38. As shown in FIG. 4A, the finger tab 68 is betweenthis longitudinal axis and the upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38.

The rear of the body of the pivoting member 38 is flat except that therear includes the pivot block 82 extending therefrom. The rear of thebody of the pivoting member 38 is identical to the front of the body ofthe pivoting member 38 except that the rear of the body does not includea finger tab 68 and except that the rear of the body includes the pivotblock 82. The pivot block 82 has an opening therein for reception of thepivot pin 58.

The pivoting member 38, including the finger tab 68 and pivot block 82,may be formed of metal or plastic.

Plate 60 may be metal or plastic. Plate 60 may be a sheet plate. Plate60 is formed in the shape of a square or rectangle. Plate 60 includes ahorizontal upper edge 84. Horizontal upper edge 84 is spaced from and isabove the upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38 to deny to an animalinside of the wire crate 48 access to the pivoting member 38 and thefinger tab 68. Horizontal upper edge 84 and pivoting member edge 74 runparallel to each other when the pivoting member 38 is at rest.Horizontal upper edge 84 runs between a vertical proximal edge 86 of theplate 60 and a vertical distal edge 88 of the plate 60. Verticalproximal edge 86 confronts, is adjacent to, and is mounted on a verticalwire support member or vertical wire 90 of the wire network 62. Distalend 52 of the pivoting member 38 extends beyond the vertical proximaledge 86 of plate 60. Vertical distal edge 88 confronts, is adjacent to,and is mounted on the outer end of the swinging door 46. This outer endof the swinging door 46 includes a vertical wire or vertical wiresupport member 92 of the wire network 62 and the vertical distal edge 88is mounted on vertical wire support member 90. Vertical distal edge 88of plate 60 runs between upper and lower stops 42, 44. Upper edge 84 ofplate 60 is spaced from upper stop 42. A lower horizontal edge of plate60 runs to and between the vertical edges 86 and 88 of plate 60. Thislower horizontal edge confronts and is adjacent to the lower stop 44.Plate 60 is mounted, such as by welding, on distal end wire 92, proximalend wire 90, and an intermediate wire 94. Plate 60 is rigid. Pivot pin58 extends through plate 60. Pivot block 82 has a rear flat face and thefront face of plate 60 is flat to minimize wobble of the pivoting member38. Pivot block 82 spaces the body of the pivoting member 38 from theplate 60 to minimize surface contact between the body of the pivotingmember 38 and the plate 60 so as to maximize a free swinging of thepivoting member 38 and so as to maximize the responsiveness of thedistal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 to gravity.

Latch apparatus 10 further includes the upper and lower stops 42, 44.Extending between the outer ends of the stops 42, 44 is a traversingmember 96. Stop 42, 44 and traversing member 96 act as one-piece tocontain the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. Upper stop 42extends horizontally and outwardly from wire 92. Traversing member 96extends from the outer end of upper stop 42 downwardly and vertically.Lower stop 44 extends from the lower end of traversing member 96inwardly and horizontally and back to wire 92. Stops 42, 44 andtraversing member 96 form a U-shape. Wire 92 forms a portion of the door46 and thus upper and lower stops 42, 44 are on the door 46. Upper andlower stops 42, 44 and traversing member 96 form a rigid, integralpiece. Upper stop 42 stops upward travel of the distal end 54 of thepivoting member 38. The upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38 hits theupper stop 42. The lower stop 44 stops downward travel of the distal end54 of the pivoting member 38. The lower edge 76 of the pivoting member38 hits the lower stop 44. The lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38rests on the lower stop 44 when the pivoting member 38 is at a restposition in the catch 40 or when the pivoting member 38 is at a restposition outside of the catch 40.

Traversing member 96 and the plate 60 may be referred to as side stopsbecause they contain and prevent excessive bending or turning ofpivoting member 38 on a vertical axis. For example, an animal may pushoutward against the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. Or theanimal may draw in with his or her paw or claw the distal end 54 of thepivoting member 38. The first resistance against such an outward pushingor an inward drawing is the pivot pin 58 and its connections with thebody of the pivoting member 38, the pivot block 82 and the plate 60.

Traversing member 96 in normal operation is spaced from the outer face70 of the pivoting member 38 such that pivoting member 38 can easilyswing with minimal resistance. Plate 60 in normal operation is spacedfrom the inner face of the pivoting member 38 such that pivoting member38 can easily swing with minimal resistance.

Latch apparatus 10 includes the catch 40. Catch 40 includes a base 98formed by two identical L-shaped wire portions 100. Each of the L-shapedwire portions 100 includes a straight vertical wire section 102 and astraight horizontal wire section 104. Straight vertical wire section 102is mounted, such as by welding, on the door frame 50. In wire crate 48,door frame 50 includes spaced apart vertical wires 106, 108. Onevertical wire section 102 is mounted on one vertical wire 106 and theother vertical wire section 102 is mounted on vertical wire 108. Theupper ends of the vertical wire sections 102 are disposed at the heightof the upper stop 42. The lower ends of the vertical wire sections 102are disposed at about the height of the lower stop 44, as shown in FIG.5.

The straight vertical wire section 102 transitions through a curvedtransition wire section 110 into horizontal wire section 104. The uppersurface of the horizontal wire section 104 is at a lower height than theupper surface of the lower stop 44 such that the lower edge 76 ofpivoting member 38 rests on the lower stop 44 in the rest position andnot upon the horizontal wire section 104.

The outer end of the horizontal wire section 104 transitions through acurved transition wire section 112 into an oblique wire section 114.Wire section 114 is straight and disposed obliquely relative to thehorizontal straight wire section 104. Wire section 114 is also obliquerelative to the plane in which the pivoting member 38 swings. Wiresection 114 extends, from its lower end, upwardly and inwardly.

The upper end of oblique wire section 114 transitions through a curvedtransition wire section 116 into cross member 118. There is one crossmember 118. Cross member 118 ties together the wire sections 102, 110,104, 112, 114, and 116, each of which is paired with a respective twinwire section 102, 110, 104, 112, 114 and 116. Base 98 may be integraland one-piece and formed from one piece of wire. Sections 112, 114, 116and 118 make up an oblique member 120, as each of these wire sectionsincludes an oblique surface that directs or deflects the distal end 54of the pivoting member 38 up and over the catch 40 and further into thecatch 40 between the cross member 118 and the upright wire section 102that confronts the upper and lower stops 42, 44.

The distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position isdisposed behind the cross member 118 and in front of the vertical wiresection 102 that is adjacent to the upper and lower stops 42, 44.

The distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position isdisposed between the vertical wire sections 102. Each of the verticalwire sections 102 defines an end of the catch 40 such that the distalend 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position is between theends of the catch 40.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 6A, pivoting member 38 is in a restposition. The pivoting member 38 is resting upon the lower stop 44,above the horizontal wire sections 104 of the catch 40. The distal end54 of the pivoting member 38 is in the catch 40, behind the cross member118, in front of the vertical wire section 102 that is adjacent to theupper and lower stops 42, 44, and between the ends of the catch 40,i.e., between the vertical wire sections 102.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, to open the door 46, the finger tab 68 ispushed down, which lifts up the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38beyond the cross member 118. The rotation of the distal end 54 of thepivoting member 38 is limited by the upper stop 42.

Then, while still pushing down on the finger tab 68, the door 46 isswung open. The steps of pushing down on the finger tab 68, holding downthe finger tab 68, and swinging open the door 46 may be accomplishedwith one hand, such as where the left thumb operates the finger tab 68and the remainder of the left hand pulls on the wire network 62 of thedoor 46. The finger tab 68 is released, whereupon the pivoting member 38swings by gravity to the rest position on the lower stop 44.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, to close the door 46, the door 46 is simplyswung shut. No manipulation of the pivoting member 38 is required. Thedoor 46 is swung shut with the pivoting member 38 in its rest positionon the lower stop 44.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the distal end 54 will hit the oblique member 120.More precisely, the chamfer or radius that extends between the rearsurface of the pivoting member 38 and lower edge 76 of the pivotingmember 38 hits one or more of the oblique surfaces of wire sections 112,114 and 116. Such an action pivots the distal end 54 of the pivotingmember 38 upwardly and over the catch 40.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, once the lower edge 76 of the pivoting member38 clears wire sections 114, 116 and 118, the pivoting member 38 dropsdown into the catch 40 to the rest position on the lower stop 44. Thepivoting member 38 falls into the catch 40 under the influence ofgravity.

A second embodiment of the latch apparatus, a latch apparatus 200, isshown in FIGS. 8 to 14.

As shown in FIG. 8, latch apparatus 200 includes a latch 202 and a catch204. The latch 202 includes a sliding member 206 and a back plate 208.The catch 204 includes a back plate or back member or back portion 210,an oblique front portion or oblique front member 212, and a transversemember or transverse portion 214 connecting the back portion 210 to theoblique front portion 212. As shown in FIG. 10, the back plate 208 ofthe latch 202 is engaged to door 46 and the back plate 210 of the catch204 is engaged to the door frame 50 of the wire crate 48. Door 46 may bereferred to as a first swinging piece. Wire crate 48 may be referred toas a second relatively swinging piece.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, sliding member 206 includes a body 216. Body216 includes a front side 218, a top side 220, a bottom side 222, aproximal end 224, a distal end 226, and an open back side 227.

The front side 218 is stepped or includes steps. The front side 218includes the proximal end 224 that includes a front proximal sidesection 228 that is spaced from back plate 208 by a first distance. Thefront side 218 includes an intermediate side section 230 running to andbetween the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226. The intermediateside section 230 is spaced from the back plate 208 by a second distance.The distal end 226 includes a curved side section 232 having a frontmost portion 234 that is spaced from the back plate 208 by a thirddistance. The first distance is less than the second distance which isless than the third distance. The front side 218 further includes atransverse wall or transverse member or transverse portion 236 thatleads from the intermediate side section 230 to the peak or front mostportion 234 of the distal end 226. Transverse wall 236 is transverserelative to the back plate 208 and relative to the intermediate section230. Distal end 226 further includes an end section 238 that defines aplane and that leads into curved side section 232.

Proximal end 224 includes a rear oblique surface or side 240. Side 240is oblique relative to front side section or proximal surface 228. Side240 and front side section 228 meet at an edge 242. The purpose ofoblique side 240 is to engage oblique front portion 212 of the catch 204when the door 46 is being swung shut. The force of the door 48 beingswung will translate into the sliding member 206 sliding in a directionfrom proximal end 224 to distal end 226.

Between proximal surface 228 and intermediate surface 230, front side218 includes an undulating front side section 244.

Between intermediate surface 230 and the transverse wall 236, front side218 includes a radius 246.

Between top side 220 and front side 218, body 216 includes a radius 248.

Between front side 218 and bottom side 222, body 216 includes a radius250.

Top side 220 is flat and defines a plane. Top side 220 extends to andbetween the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226.

Bottom side 222 is flat and defines a plane. Bottom side 222 extends toand between the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226. Bottom side 222extends parallel to top side 220.

Open back side 227 is defined by proximal end 224, distal end 226, topside 220 and bottom side 222. These portions of the body 216 form arectangular perimeter 252 that further defines the open back side 227.

Open back side 227 is further defined by front side 218 that forms aninner front wall to the open back side 227.

Open back side 227 includes a first cavity 254 and a second cavity 256.The first and second cavities 254, 256 are separated by a transversewall 258. Transverse wall 258 runs vertically to and between the top andbottom sides 220, 222 and further runs to the front side 218. On oneside, transverse wall 258 serves as a mount for a cylinder 260 that runsin the transverse direction from the top side 220 to the open back side227. On the other side, the transverse wall 258 serves as a stop orretainer for a proximal end 262 of a coil spring 264. The outer freeedge of transverse wall 258 lies against the inner face of the backplate 208.

Perimeter 252 defines a plane. Perimeter 252 lies flat upon and slidesagainst the inner face of the back plate 208. Back plate 208 defines aplane. The outer free edge of transverse wall 258 lies in the planedefined by perimeter 252.

First cavity 254 includes cylinder 260. The outer annular edge ofcylinder 260 lies in the plane defined by perimeter 252 and against theinner face of back plate 208.

First cavity 254 is adjacent to proximal end 224 of sliding member 206.First cavity 254 is defined by an inner transverse wall 266, undulatingsection 244, intermediate side 230, transverse wall 258, top side 220,bottom side 222, and cylinder mount 260.

Second cavity 256 is defined by transverse wall 258, top side 220,bottom side 222, intermediate side 230, transverse wall 236, radius 246,curved side 232 and end section 238. Second cavity 256 is furtherdefined by and includes a second cylinder or cylindrical pin mount 268.Second cylinder 256 runs transversely relative to back plate 208 andincludes an outer open end that is in the plane defined by perimeter252. Second cavity 256 contains or receives coil spring 264.

Back plate 208 includes a rectangular perimeter 270. As shown in FIG.10, this rectangular perimeter 270 is greater in height (a distance froma bottom edge to a top edge) than is rectangular perimeter 252 of thesliding member 206. As shown in FIG. 12, the rectangular perimeter 270has a width (a distance from one vertical edge to the other verticaledge) that runs from just proximal of cylinder 260 (about the middle ofthe width of first cavity 254) to beyond the distal end 226 of slidingmember 206.

Back plate 208 includes a pair of first and second through slots 272,274. Each of the slots 272, 274 has a proximal end and a distal end. Theslots 272, 274 are aligned on a straight line toward the catch 204. Theslots 272, 274 are on a horizontal axis.

First and second guide pins 276, 278 extend through slots 272, 274,respectively, and engage cylinders 260, 268, respectively. Each of thepins 276 has a cylindrical shaft 280 of lesser diameter than the heightof each of the slots 272, 274. Each of the pins 276 have a head 282 of agreater diameter than the height of each of the slots 272, 274 such thatpin heads 282 retain the sliding member 206 on the back plate 208 and,at the same time, permit the sliding member 206 to slide on or relativeto the back plate 208.

Back plate 208 further includes an inwardly extending transverse post284 affixed thereto. Post 284 extends into second cavity 256 and servesas a stop for a second end 286 of coil spring 264. Post 284 may extendsufficiently far into second cavity 256 to abut or confront or beadjacent to the inner face of intermediate side 230. Post 284 is affixedto the back plate 208 just proximal of the proximal end of the secondslot 274.

Coil spring 264 brings pressure to bear upon transverse wall 258 andpost 284. Coil spring 264 is contained in second cavity by transversewall 258, post 284, intermediate side 230, top side 220, bottom side222, and back plate 208.

Sliding member 206 includes a normally biased position. This may also becalled a normally closed position. This normally biased position ornormally closed position is shown in each of FIGS. 10, 12, 13 and 14. Inthe normally closed position, the coil spring 264 assumes a most fullyextended condition where the first cavity 254 is most fully openrelative to back plate 208. Partially open cavity 254 can be seen inFIG. 12 and in FIG. 13. In the normally closed position, the coil spring264 has pushed the proximal end of the sliding member 206 as far aspossible off the back plate 208. In the normally closed position thecoil spring 264 has relatively pushed the back plate 208, via pressureupon post 284, as far as possible beyond the distal end of the slidingmember 206. In the normally closed position, the guide pins 276, 278reside in the proximal ends of the slots 272, 274, as shown in FIG. 13.

Sliding member 206 includes a position where it has been fully slidagainst the bias of the coil spring 264. This position can be referredto as a fully compressed condition. This position can be seen in FIG.11. Here a user has manually slid the sliding member 206 away from andout of engagement with catch 204. In this position, the transverse wall258 compresses the coil spring 264 against the post 284. In thisposition, the guide pins 276, 278 reside respectively against the distalends of the slots 272, 274, which distal ends work as stops to stop themanual sliding of the sliding member 206. In this position, as seen inFIG. 11, the distal end 226 of the sliding member 206 is offset orpositioned beyond the distal end of the back plate 208 such that aportion of second cavity 256 is open.

The latch apparatus 10 is engaged, such as by welding, to the front ofthe wire crate 48 to remove the latch apparatus 10, as far as possible,from manipulation by the animal or pet inside of the wire crate 48 andto position the latch apparatus 10 as close as possible to the user thatoperates the latch apparatus 10 and opens and closes the door 46 of thewire crate 48.

More specifically, the rear face of the back plate 208 is affixed, suchas welding, to three vertical wires or support members 286, 288 and 290of the door 46 of the wire crate 48. Vertical wire or vertical supportmember 286 is adjacent to and confronts the door frame or vertical wire50 of the front side of the wire crate 48. Vertical wires 286 and 50 runparallel to each other. The proximal vertical edge 292 of the back plate208 is aligned with and defines a transverse plane with the proximalface of wire 286. The proximal face of wire 286 is the portion of thewire 286 that is closest to door frame wire 50.

Catch 204 is affixed to, such as by welding, vertical door frame wire50. Door frame wire 50 has a proximal face and this portion is theportion of door frame wire 50 that is closest to wire 286. The proximalface of door frame wire 50 is aligned with and defines a transverseplane with a proximal vertical edge 294 of the back plate 210 of catch204.

Back plate 210 of the catch 204 is rectangular. Opposite of proximalvertical edge 294 is a distal edge 296. Back plate 210 further includestop and bottom edges 298, 300. When door 46 is closed, an extendedperiphery of the back plates 208, 210 can be defined as all of the edgesof the back plates 208, 210 except the proximal vertical edges 292, 294(i.e., the top and bottom edges of the back plates 208, 210, the distaledge of back plate 208, and the distal edge 296 of back plate 210).

If desired, each of the back plates 208, 210 may be affixed tohorizontally running wires of the door 46 or of the wire crate 48.

Catch 204 is horizontally aligned with latch 202. That is, an upperhorizontal edge of back plate 210 of the catch 204 is aligned, so as toform a straight line, with the upper horizontal edge of back plate 208of latch 202. A lower horizontal edge of back plate 210 of catch 204 isaligned, so as to form a straight line, with the lower horizontal edgeof back plate 208 of latch 202.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the proximal end 224 of the slidingmember 206 is engaged by the catch 202. In this normally closedposition, the back plates 208, 210 shield the sliding member 206 fromthe paw of an animal in the wire crate 48. In other words, the perimeter252 of the sliding member 206 is set within the extended perimeter ofthe back plates 208, 210 (i.e., the perimeter 252 of the sliding member206 is set within the top and bottom edges of the back plates 208, 210and the distal or outer edges of the back plates 208, 210). This reducedsize of the sliding member 206 relative to the back plates 208, 210minimizes the chances of a paw of an animal gaining access to a portionof the sliding member 206 so as to slide the sliding member 206. In thisnormally closed or normally biased position, each of the first andsecond cavities 254, 256 are essentially closed by the back plates 208,210. Slots 272, 274 provide essentially no access into the cavities 254,256. Any space between the vertical edges 292 and 294 of the back plates208, 210 is minimized so as to minimize access into first cavity 254. Inthe position shown in FIG. 10, door 46 and a front face of the wirecrate 48 are coplanar.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sliding member 206 has been manually slid awayfrom the catch 204 such that the door 46 may be opened relative to thefront face of the wire crate 48 and such that the proximal end 224 ofthe sliding member 206 can swing past the proximal vertical edge of theoblique portion 212. In this position as shown in FIG. 11, the coilspring 264 has attained its most fully compressed condition and guidepins 276, 278 reside against the distal ends of the slots 272, 274,thereby preventing further sliding of the sliding member 206 in adirection from the proximal end 224 to the distal end 226 of the slidingmember 206. In this position shown in FIG. 11, the distal end 226 of thesliding member 206 has slid partially beyond the distal vertical edge ofthe back plate 208 such that the second cavity 256 is exposed or openrelative to the back plate 208. Further in this position shown in FIG.11, the first cavity 254 is covered by the back plate 208 such that thefirst cavity 254 moves from a position where it is covered by the backplate 210 of the catch 204 to a position where it is covered by the backplate 208 of the latch 202.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show that door 46 has been opened relative to thefront face of the wire crate 48 and that the sliding member 206 has beenmanually released such that the sliding member 206 automaticallyreturns, under the expansion of the coil spring 264, to its normallyclosed or normally biased position where the first cavity 254 ispartially exposed relative to the back plate 208 of the latch 202 andwhere the second cavity 256 has slid back to a position to where it iscovered by the back plate 208 of the latch 202 and where the distal end226 of the latch 202 is found within the perimeter 270 of the back plate208 and within the distal edge of the back plate 208. In the positionshown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the oblique face or surface 240 of theproximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 is ready and in position tohit and slide against the oblique face or oblique portion 212 of thecatch 204 so as to propel the sliding member 206 as a whole in adirection from the proximal end 224 to the distal end 226 of the slidingmember 206 whereupon, when the proximal most edge of face 240 clears theproximal most edge of oblique face 212, the coil spring 264 expands topush the proximal end 224 into the catch 204.

If desired, the catch 204 may be manufactured such that the obliqueportion 212 is resilient, i.e., gives when it is hit by the proximal end224 of the sliding member 206 when the sliding member 206 is being swungwith the door 46 from an open to a closed position, and then returns toan original position once the proximal end 224 has slid off.

If desired, the catch 204 may be manufactured to be rigid, i.e., suchthat the oblique portion 212 provides no give when it is hit by theproximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 when the sliding member 206is being swung with the door 46 from an open position to a closedposition.

It should be noted that the body 216 of the sliding member 206 may bemolded in one piece such that the body 216 is integral and one-piece.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or generalcharacteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, theembodiments described herein are to be considered in all respectsillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to beindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A latch apparatus for latching first and secondpieces together, one of the first and second pieces being swingablerelative to the other of the first and second pieces, comprising: a) apivoting member, the pivoting member having a proximal end, a distalend, and an intermediate section between the proximal and distal ends,the pivoting member being on the first piece, the distal end of thepivoting member pivoting up and down in a first plane, said pivotingmember including a pivot axis about which the pivoting member pivots; b)a catch having an oblique portion, the catch being on the second piece,the oblique portion having an upper end, a lower end, and a firstoblique surface extending between the upper and lower ends, the upperend being spaced from the second piece by a first distance and defininga catch space, the lower end being spaced from the second piece by asecond distance, the second distance being greater than the firstdistance, the first plane extending between the upper end and the secondpiece when the first and second pieces are closed, the first obliquesurface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, when the first pieceand pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the first oblique surfacedirects the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and over the upper end ofthe oblique portion, whereupon the pivoting member falls by gravity intothe catch space; c) an upper stop and a lower stop, the upper and lowerstops extending from the first piece, the upper and lower stops beingspaced apart from each other, the pivoting member disposed between theupper stop and the lower stop, the upper stop stopping pivoting of thepivoting member in one direction, the lower stop stopping pivoting ofthe pivoting member in the other direction; and d) wherein when saidpivoting member is at rest, a part of the intermediate section rests onthe lower stop and the distal end extends beyond said lower stop.
 2. Alatch apparatus for latching first and second pieces together, one ofthe first and second pieces being swingable relative to the other of thefirst and second pieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivotingmember having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on thefirst piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and downin a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis aboutwhich the pivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion,the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upperend, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between theupper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second pieceby a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end beingspaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distancebeing greater than the first distance, the first plane extending betweenthe upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces areclosed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly suchthat, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly,the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardlyand over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivotingmember falls by gravity into the catch space; c) an upper stop and alower stop, the upper and lower stops extending from the first piece,the upper and lower stops being spaced apart from each other, thepivoting member disposed between the upper stop and the lower stop, theupper stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in one direction,the lower stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in the otherdirection; and d) wherein the catch includes a bottom, the bottom of thecatch being at a lower level than the lower stop when the two pieces areclosed such that the pivoting member rests on the lower stop and abovethe bottom of the catch when the two pieces are closed.
 3. A latchapparatus for latching first and second pieces together, one of thefirst and second pieces being swingable relative to the other of thefirst and second pieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivotingmember having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on thefirst piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and downin a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis aboutwhich the pivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion,the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upperend, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between theupper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second pieceby a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end beingspaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distancebeing greater than the first distance, the first plane extending betweenthe upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces areclosed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly suchthat, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly,the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardlyand over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivotingmember falls by gravity into the catch space; c) an upper stop and alower stop, the upper and lower stops extending from the first piece,the upper and lower stops being spaced apart from each other, thepivoting member disposed between the upper stop and the lower stop, theupper stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in one direction,the lower stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in the otherdirection; and d) wherein said upper and lower stops are interconnectedby a traversing member, the pivoting member extending between thetraversing member and the first piece.
 4. A latch apparatus for latchingfirst and second pieces together, one of the first and second piecesbeing swingable relative to the other of the first and second pieces,comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivoting member having a proximalend, a distal end, and an intermediate section between the proximal anddistal ends, the pivoting member being on the first piece, the distalend of the pivoting member pivoting up and down in a first plane, saidpivoting member including a pivot axis about which the pivoting memberpivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion, the catch being on thesecond piece, the oblique portion having an upper end, a lower end, anda first oblique surface extending between the upper and lower ends, theupper end being spaced from the second piece by a first distance anddefining a catch space, the lower end being spaced from the second pieceby a second distance, the second distance being greater than the firstdistance, the first plane extending between the upper end and the secondpiece when the first and second pieces are closed, the first obliquesurface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, when the first pieceand pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the first oblique surfacedirects the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and over the upper end ofthe oblique portion, whereupon the pivoting member falls by gravity intothe catch space; and c) wherein said oblique portion comprises aU-shaped wire section, wherein said U-shaped wire section comprises saidfirst oblique surface, a second oblique surface coplanar with said firstoblique surface and spaced apart from said first oblique surface, and across member extending between the first and second oblique surfaces anddefining the upper end of the oblique portion.
 5. The latch apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said catch comprises a base, the base being on thesecond piece, the base having a top end and a bottom end, the top end ofthe base being above the upper end of the oblique portion to counter anoutward drawing of the upper end of the oblique portion by the pivotingmember when the first and second pieces are being pushed apart from eachother without pivoting the pivoting member out of the catch space.
 6. Alatch apparatus for latching first and second pieces together, one ofthe first and second pieces being swingable relative to the other of thefirst and second pieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivotingmember having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on thefirst piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and downin a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis aboutwhich the pivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion,the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upperend, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between theupper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second pieceby a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end beingspaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distancebeing greater than the first distance, the first plane extending betweenthe upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces areclosed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly suchthat, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly,the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardlyand over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivotingmember falls by gravity into the catch space; and c) wherein said catchcomprises a base, the base being L-shaped and having an outer end, theouter end engaging the lower end of the oblique portion.
 7. A latchapparatus for latching first and second pieces together, one of thefirst and second pieces being swingable relative to the other of thefirst and second pieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivotingmember having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on thefirst piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and downin a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis aboutwhich the pivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion,the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upperend, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between theupper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second pieceby a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end beingspaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distancebeing greater than the first distance, the first plane extending betweenthe upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces areclosed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly suchthat, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly,the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardlyand over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivotingmember falls by gravity into the catch space; and c) wherein said catchcomprises a base, the base comprising first and second wire sections,each of the wire sections being L-shaped and having an outer end, eachof the outer ends of the wire sections engaging the lower end of theoblique portion.
 8. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidpivoting member includes a pivot pin about which the pivoting memberpivots, the pivot pin being in the intermediate section, the pivot pinbeing on the pivot axis.
 9. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedistal end of the pivoting member is spaced further from the pivot axisthan the proximal end of the pivoting member.
 10. A latch apparatus forlatching first and second pieces together, one of the first and secondpieces being swingable relative to the other of the first and secondpieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivoting member having aproximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate section between theproximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on the first piece,the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and down in a firstplane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis about which thepivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion, the catchbeing on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upper end, alower end, and a first oblique surface extending between the upper andlower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second piece by a firstdistance and defining a catch space, the lower end being spaced from thesecond piece by a second distance, the second distance being greaterthan the first distance, the first plane extending between the upper endand the second piece when the first and second pieces are closed, thefirst oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, whenthe first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the firstoblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and overthe upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivoting memberfalls by gravity into the catch space; and c) a finger receptor on thepivoting member, the finger receptor permitting a user to effectuate apivoting of the pivoting member and a raising of the distal end of thepivoting member.
 11. The latch apparatus of claim 10, wherein saidfinger receptor is adjacent to the pivot axis.
 12. The latch apparatusof claim 10, wherein said finger receptor is between said pivot axis andthe proximal end of the pivoting member such that a pushing down on thefinger receptor raises the distal end of the pivoting member.
 13. Thelatch apparatus of claim 10, wherein said finger receptor is one of a)on the proximal end of the pivoting member and b) adjacent to theproximal end of the pivoting member.
 14. The latch apparatus of claim 1,wherein said distal end of the pivoting member is disposed in the catchspace when the first and second pieces are closed.
 15. The latchapparatus of claim 1, wherein said catch includes an outer end and aninner end, wherein said distal end of said pivoting member includes adistal edge, and wherein said distal edge is between the outer and innerends of the catch when the first and second pieces are closed.
 16. Thelatch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the pivotingmember swings freely downwardly under the influence of gravity.
 17. Alatch apparatus for latching first and second pieces together, one ofthe first and second pieces being swingable relative to the other of thefirst and second pieces, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivotingmember having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate sectionbetween the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on thefirst piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and downin a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis aboutwhich the pivoting member pivots; b) a catch having an oblique portion,the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upperend, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between theupper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second pieceby a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end beingspaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distancebeing greater than the first distance, the first plane extending betweenthe upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces areclosed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly suchthat, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly,the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardlyand over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivotingmember falls by gravity into the catch space; and c) wherein saidpivoting member includes a rear face and a top edge, and a latch obliqueface between the rear face and top edge, the latch oblique face adjacentto the top edge, the latch oblique face being disposed to hit the firstoblique surface of the catch when the first piece and pivoting memberare swung inwardly.
 18. A latch apparatus for latching first and secondpieces together, one of the first and second pieces being swingablerelative to the other of the first and second pieces, comprising: a) apivoting member, the pivoting member having a proximal end, a distalend, and an intermediate section between the proximal and distal ends,the pivoting member being on the first piece, the distal end of thepivoting member pivoting up and down in a first plane, said pivotingmember including a pivot axis about which the pivoting member pivots; b)an upper stop and a lower stop, the upper and lower stops extending fromthe first piece, the upper and lower stops being spaced apart from eachother, the pivoting member disposed between the upper stop and the lowerstop, the upper stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in onedirection, the lower stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member inthe other direction; c) a catch having an oblique portion, the catchbeing on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upper end, alower end, and a first oblique surface extending between the upper andlower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second piece by a firstdistance and defining a catch space, the lower end being spaced from thesecond piece by a second distance, the second distance being greaterthan the first distance, the first plane extending between the upper endand the second piece when the first and second pieces are closed, thefirst oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, whenthe first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the firstoblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and overthe upper end of the oblique member, whereupon the pivoting member fallsby gravity into the catch space; d) wherein the distal end of thepivoting member is spaced further from the pivot axis than the proximalend of the pivoting member; and e) a finger receptor on the pivotingmember, the finger receptor extending from a surface of the pivotingmember, the finger receptor permitting a user to effectuate a pivotingof the pivoting member and a raising of the distal end of the pivotingmember.